Unsubscribe.

Honestly, my feelings were a little hurt. What did I say? What did I do? Why don’t they want my emails now? I went through what I’d written; was I rude or wrong or boring? After wallowing for a while, I realized how ridiculous I was being.

I had just unsubscribed to a bunch of newsletters, myself! Did I do that because I didn’t like the author or thought they were terrible writers?

Nah.

I unsubscribed because I like to start the year fresh. I take time to click “unsubscribe” to things that are no longer relevant.

That weekly newsletter from an online tool I no longer use?

Unsubscribe. ❌

The newsletter that was great a year ago when I was learning a new skill I’ve since mastered?

Unsubscribe. ❌

The newsletter I continue to get even though I never actually signed up for it?

Buh-bye. ❌ (Side note: please don’t put anyone on a newsletter list unless that actively opt-in to it. It’s not cool, people hate it, and it’s not-totally-legal in some places.)

When I unsubscribe, I’m not saying that those newsletters have no value. It’s not a commentary on the writing or the content. What I’m really saying is “I’m in a different place now.” And that’s a good thing!

Why are we, as business owners, encouraged to create an email list? Because it’s a great way to A) provide value to a market that we care about and B) warm up potential leads. If it does both, great! Once those subscribers move out of your target demographic, whether it’s because they have moved into the next stage of the customer journey or their life circumstances have changed, they no longer need those emails from you.

It’s like moving out of your parents’ house; you don’t suddenly dislike them, you’re just ready to move on to the next stage of your life.

I’m here to tell you it’s okay to hit unsubscribe— whether that’s on emails or other things in your life.

🌟When you tidy up your life (or your inbox), you’re simply making room for bigger and better things.🌟